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Table of Contents

The Research Process

Defining Research Needs

Developing a Research Strategy
Define Your Topic and Pose a Research Question
Brainstorm Search Terms
Build a Keyword Search

Conducting the Search

Evaluating Resources

Using Resources

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Developing a Research Strategy


Brainstorm Search Terms

Some terms require even more thought. Seemingly insignificant differences between terms you use and terms the database recognizes will affect the success of searches. Therefore, to have a successful search be sure to brainstorm for alternative spellings, abbreviations, and multiple endings.

Brainstorming Search Terms Example -- Alternatives

For example, all three types of variations should be considered in brainstorming terms for the research question "How does having a job affect a college student's grades?"

alternative spellings: labor, labor, labour
abbreviations: g.p.a., grade point average
multiple endings: work, working, worker

List any alternative spellings, abbreviations, or multiple endings that apply to your concept terms or synonyms.